Month: February 2019

Five Years at Blog for Arizona

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It was five years ago that I joined Blog for Arizona, after being “Carolyn’s Community” for the online Tucsoncitizen.com for over 4.5 years.  So now I’ve been longer at this blog site, mostly posting progressive events (3,092 to date) on our image Calendar, but also posting articles – 1,135 so far according to Word Press. … Read more

Education Priorities for 2019: Perspective from Save Our Schools Arizona

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Education is a major priority of both political parties and school organizations in 2019. One organization looking to promote the interests of public schools in Arizona is Save Our Schools Arizona (SOS). Their mission, articulated on their website (https://sosarizona.org/), is to: • Educate communities about the value of public education • Empower parents, teachers, and … Read more

AZ in Top Third with National Board Certified Teachers

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Let me be clear. I’ve never worn blackface and can’t for the life of me understand why someone would think it is okay. But, I’ve been guilty (when much younger), of making the insensitive and derogatory comment that, “those who can, do, and those who can’t, teach.” I was referring to military trainers, not K–12 teachers, but I am still mortified and profusely sorry for ever thinking, let alone saying that, about any educator.

I was ignorant and didn’t know what I didn’t know. I now know that good teachers are highly skilled professionals who have honed their art. I know that the overwhelming majority of K–12 teachers have chosen their profession because they have a passion for helping children grow and thrive. I also know that teachers are the number one in-school factor to student success. I fervently believe, that if we are to truly unleash our students’ and our state’s potential, we must focus on preparing, hiring, supporting, and trusting, high-quality, professional educators.

I was surrounded by several hundred such professionals at this year’s Arizona K12 Center’s 10th Celebration of Accomplished Teaching. It was a wonderful gala to celebrate the 136 Arizona teachers who achieved or renewed National Board Certification (NBC) in 2018.

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Average tax refunds are down 8.4 percent under Trump tax law

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Average tax refunds were down last week 8.4 percent for the first week of the tax season over the same time last year, according to the Internal Revenue Service. Dipping refunds are inflaming a growing army of taxpayers stunned by the consequences of the Trump administration’s tax law — and the effects of the partial government shutdown. Average Tax Refunds Down 8.4 Percent As Angry Taxpayers Vent On Twitter:

The average refund check paid out so far has been $1,865, down from $2,035 at the same point in 2018, according to IRS data. Low-income taxpayers often file early to pocket the money as soon as possible. Many taxpayers count on the refunds to make important payments, or spend the money on things like home repairs, a vacation or a car.

The IRS had estimated it would issue about 2.3 percent fewer refunds this year as a result of the changes in the federal tax law, according to Bloomberg. MSNBC reports that 30 million Americans will owe the IRS money this year — 3 million more than before Trump’s tax law.

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The Conservative Majority on the United States Supreme Court stomped on the Freedom of Religion so a man can be Executed On Time

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The conservative majority on the United States Supreme Court thought executing a man on time was more important than safeguarding his religious liberties before he passed on.

The conservative majority on the United States Supreme Court thought to execute a man on time was more important than safeguarding his religious liberties before he passed on.

Dominque Ray is a person who does not deserve tears to be shed. He was executed in Alabama on February 7 for the rape and murder of 15-year-old Tiffany Harville in 1995.

The subject of capital punishment is one of profound debate in this country with regards to if it should be allowed, if so when it should be administered, what method should be employed to execute the prisoner, and whether this ultimate penalty is equally and fairly distributed according to demographics?

Those issues are not the subject of this piece.

What is the subject of this article is that Ray was denied his religious rights and freedoms days before his execution when the warden and officials at the prison he was incarcerated at denied his request, on January 23, 2019, to have his Moslem Imam present for security reasons.

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